Sidney Thomas Health Advocacy Inductee

Noel C. Green is a 36-year-old, African American, Chicagoan, and University of Chicago trained Master’s level Social Worker. Noel is a leader in the discussion of systemic effects on black, LGBT+ people in Chicago, IL. With more than 10 years of experience in social services, Noel has led several nonprofits to mission attainment, driven for-profit entities to profitability, brokered relationships to achieve policy outcomes, and acquired $3.5 million for various causes. Noel C. Green lives today so that his community will be better tomorrow.

Ben Montgomery Civic Engagement Inductee

Donald M Bell (He, Him, His) identifies as a 74 year old single, cisgender, profeminist, gay or SGL man of African, Indigenous, and Scots-Irish roots. Don is a third-generation native-born Chicagoan, Southsider, and lifelong White Sox fan. He is a retired professional in Higher Education Administration/Student Affairs; certified in HIV/AIDS counseling, health education, and outreach; and a former IDCFS Social Worker. Now at the end of a long hiatus, he plans to re-enter the work field in the area of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. He has become a recognized resource in the area of aging, in general, and LGBT+ aging in particular. He often presents on these and related intersectional social justice issues.

Dr. Keith R. Green Community Leader Inductee

Dr. Mario Pierce is a transformational leader who has educated and positively impacted systems for 24 years. He has strong knowledge of individual and community health due to tackling disparities in underrepresented communities, and his work helps to reduce stigma regarding STI/HIV transmission in the Chicago area. Through the years, Mario taught elementary, middle, and high school, and in higher education institutions. In 2012, he came to the University of Chicago Medicine as an Education Outreach Coordinator, where his gift for transforming lives, mentoring, providing HIV testing and counseling, and founding a phenomenal men’s support group developed youth and young adults into mighty change agents. In 2014, Mario joined the Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, where he prioritized Black, Latine, and LGBTQ+ communities disproportionately impacted by HIV. He promoted and cultivated positive relationships and expanded programs and partners in that role. Dr. Pierce has earned multiple sexual health certifications, a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, a Master of Arts Degree in Speech Communication, and a Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership. Between 2019 and 2023, Dr. Pierce was a Director of Academic Excellence and Assistant Dean of Student Affairs at a private two-year college in Chicago. In May 2023, he became Sr. Director of Programs at Brave Space Alliance and is a Visiting Professor of English and Communication in both onsite and online platforms.

Joel Hall Creative Visionary Inductee

Chicago native, Peter Gaona, is a dancer-turned-designer and creator/owner of lifestyle brand, ReformedSchool. Peter founded ReformedSchool after transitioning from performing while completing his degree at Columbia College Chicago in Arts Entertainment Media Management. ReformedSchool’s Mission is to use Fashion as a lens through which people can learn about history, politics, culture, and the world. His designs celebrate Black and LatinX history by using fashion accessories to educate. Peter is also passionate about creating cultural engagement surrounding the arts and entrepreneurship in Chicago.

Lori Branch Community Ally Inductee

Mildred Williamson, PhD, MSW, has spent her career in public service with human rights/social justice as her passion. She has more than 30 years of experience in developing and leading public health safety net programs for vulnerable populations. She has held a number of positions over the years within the Cook County Health (CCH) system. She was the first administrator of the Women & Children HIV Program, which today, is part of the Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, where she recently retired as Executive Director. Since 2013, she continues as an adjunct assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health (UIC-SPH).